REVIEW OF GlenOak Academy BY parent, Melissa Scott

(5) Student Experience

When our child entered GlenOak in Grade 4, he was very apprehensive and nervous about changing schools. The teachers initially took the time to get know him and understand his learning needs. As a result of the teachers being proactive combined with the small classes, he immediately started establishing a strong and meaningful relationship with his teachers and classmates. Our child really enjoys how the teachers engage with them and gets them thinking for themselves. The assignments are meaningful which challenges our child allowing him to be super excited about going to school. Because the classes are small and intimate, he gets the attention and focus that allows him to really learn the basics while leaving time to pursue the interests that are important to him.

(5) School Leadership

When there is conflict between students, the teachers and administration take the time to sit down with our child to help come up with solutions together to understand the situation and how to handle the issue. The administration does a great job in communicating with the parents on how we can all work together, so our child’s school experience is a positive one. The principle always follow-up with student and parent to see how its going and if there anything she can help with.

(5) Teaching

The teachers at GlenOak are extremely passionate and they always take the time to build strong relationships first and foremost with their students. The teachers put a lot of time and effort into planning which is reflected in the engagement they get from the students in the class (both in-class and online during the lockdown). Their activities and assignments in the class get our kids excited about learning. At the same time, the curriculum challenges our kid in a very positive way. They are very aware of children's different needs which allows them to customize their programmes to ensure that the children are successful. Even with the small classroom setting they also take the time to have 1 on 1 instruction to ensure curriculum suits the needs of our children.

(5) Academics

At GlenOak, the programming is tailored to each child's needs. They follow the Ontario Curriculum plus they have outdoor learning which our children really enjoy. The teachers take time to build a positive relationships with each child. They have small classes and lots of help in the classroom. We feel that our children have learned a lot of skills to help prepare them for their next challenges in their academic career. The online program is excellent keeping our children engaged and excited even when they were stuck at home during the pandemic. Regardless of whether the learning happened in the class or online, our children were consistently excited to learn each day. They have learned to work independently and gained a lot of knowledge about computers.

(5) Extracurriculars

GlenOak provides opportunities for the students to enjoy LEGO Club, Minecraft Club and Art Club online. My youngest child looks forward to these clubs each week. He has learned to draw in various forms and enjoys talking to his classmates about his creations. He enjoyed playing Minecraft with the older kids as he learned new moves. My oldest loves to play sports. As there are not any sports teams at this time, there are many opportunities to play soccer, basketball etc at recess which he really looks forward to.

(5) Students

The student body is small which is why we chose to put both our sons at GlenOak. My oldest child has some learning challenges and being in a small class of kids gave him an opportunity to develop social and emotional skills. Our children come home with lots of stories about their friends and look forward to the next school day. They both feel very supported and encouraged to do their best each day. GlenOak has a positive, supportive atmosphere which allows the children to develop at their own pace. Our children have learned to take ownership for themselves and have become independent. When a conflict arises I have seen the children work together to come up with solutions on there own. GlenOak is truly a family with a big heart.

(5) School Life

Our sons love coming to school everyday. They chat on the way to school about what activities they may encounter. The small group setting allows them to ask questions and participate in group discussions. We felt safe and confident about sending our children there because of the pandemic. The school went above and beyond safety measures. They provided the school with touch-less hand sanitizers, Hospital grade HEPA filters in each classroom, temperature checks, online health assessment, social distancing desks in the classroom, deep cleaning everyday. Our children enjoy special days for example; Civvies Day and Spirit Days. The school has done an excellent job making every opportunity possible for the children to have fun safely. We really are blessed that our children have an an opportunity to come to this school!

(5) Community

We have known Sue Goode for a while, as I first approached Sue when my oldest child was struggling in school. We had a conversation about what would be the best approach for my son. Being a parent herself, she knows that each child is unique and always has the best interest for each child. GlenOak has an awesome group of parents who are very supportive to one another. They are always there to give ideas to one another. Pre COVID, there were many opportunities for parents to be involved. For example, Fall and Spring Fair and Field Trips. There is a monthly parent council meeting where parents and teachers come together and share ideas. My child felt welcomed from the first day he walked into GlenOak.

(5) School Location

GlenOak is located in Mississauga. It is easy to get to, as it is close to the highway. The school has beautiful grounds, where the students enjoy playing sports and have tables are set up for outdoor learning. Its in an area where the students are able to go for walks, visit the local library, explore the marsh and walk across the street to a historic house for lesson in history.